Australian trainer Henry Dwyer has established a satellite stable in Newmarket, England, following the success of Asfoora's European campaign.
The facility is intended to educate, race, and assess selected European purchases before they are transported to Australia.
Key Details
- Scope and Purpose: Dwyer's Newmarket stable will be small, selective, and seasonal, focusing on Australian-bought European horses. Its primary goal is to serve as a nursery for Australian-trained horses, allowing them to mature and race in Europe before being brought to Australia as late three- or early four-year-olds.
- Expansion Plans: Dwyer plans to increase his European purchases from four to six to eight to ten per year, including breeze-up horses, yearlings, and lightly raced three-year-olds.
- Recent Purchases: Recent acquisitions include a Kodiac filly (72,000 gns), a St Mark's Basilica filly (£205,000), and a Too Darn Hot colt (£300,000).
- Current Runners: Horses Synners Kid and Skiathos have been in training in Newmarket for four months and will race in England before being sent to Australia.
"The primary goal is to serve as a nursery for Australian-trained horses, allowing them to mature and race in Europe before being brought to Australia."
Background
Dwyer first brought Asfoora to Royal Ascot two years ago, leading to a two-year European campaign that included wins in the G1 King Charles III Stakes, G1 Nunthorpe Stakes, and G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp, earning the title European Champion Sprinter. This experience prompted the expansion into a satellite stable.
Training and Operations
- On the Ground: Assistant trainer Simon Morrish oversees day-to-day operations in Newmarket.
- Remote Management: Dwyer uses technology such as E-Trackers, heart rate monitors, speed monitors, and daily trot-up videos to manage horses remotely from Australia.
- Location: The stable is based at Liberty Stables, shared with trainers Amy Murphy and Lemos De Souza, who previously hosted Asfoora.
"Dwyer uses technology such as E-Trackers, heart rate monitors, speed monitors, and daily trot-up videos to manage horses remotely from Australia."
Financial Considerations
- Prize Money: European prize money is described as sufficient for major races and festivals, with Royal Ascot 2026 offering a record £10.65 million total prize money.
- Costs: Costs in England are reported to be similar to those in Australia.
- Risk Management: Importing horses is only done if they perform well, reducing financial risk.
Owner Experience
- Festival Access: Dwyer offers owners the opportunity to experience British racing festivals, including Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, and the Ebor Festival.
- Participation: Owners can participate via horses purchased at European sales.
Sprinters vs. Stayers
- Strategic Focus: Dwyer indicated he would only consider sending sprinters from Australia to Europe, citing higher prize money in Australia for staying races and the effectiveness of Australian sprint training.
- Market Trends: He noted that the European market is trending toward sprinting pedigrees, creating opportunities for Australian trainers.
"Dwyer indicated he would only consider sending sprinters from Australia to Europe, citing higher prize money in Australia for staying races."
Cover image courtesy of Henry Dwyer Racing.